We want the facts to fit the preconceptions. When they don't it is easier to ignore the facts than to change the preconceptions.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Instead of establishing facts, we have to overthrow errors; instead of ascertaining what is, we have to chase from our imaginations what is not.
With any work worth its salt, you have to trust the author enough to take its measure. And if you apply too many preconceptions, you are not taking its measure.
Since the masses are always eager to believe something, for their benefit nothing is so easy to arrange as facts.
Theory helps us to bear our ignorance of facts.
To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step to knowledge.
To know ahead of time what you're looking for means you're then only photographing your own preconceptions, which is very limiting, and often false.
Some facts should be suppressed, or, at least, a just sense of proportion should be observed in treating them.
The purpose of making people feel uncomfortable is to play with their preconceptions.
I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.
Science progresses best when observations force us to alter our preconceptions.